We offer some practical advice – African Family Safaris
“The eyes never forget what the heart has seen” – African proverb.
There is something magical about the African bush, something hard to put into words. It needs to be experienced and felt. It’s something that will never leave you. One of my most indelible early memories is watching, as a 5-year-old, two lionesses take down a giraffe. I don’t remember being traumatized. In fact, I hold this memory in my heart with awe. Communing with animals in the wild is not only an educational experience but also an inspiring and life-changing one.
In this edition of the African Aerial Safaris blog, we explore the ins and outs of bringing your child on safari, so expect some valuable insights. Ready? Here we go!
1. Plan ahead
You know your children best: their interests, temperaments, and expectations. A harmonious family vacation of any sort demands considering everyone – and that extends to a family safari. Are your children more likely to be studious, or are they adventurous? Your best bet will be to tailor your safari experience accordingly – and African Aerial Safaris will be happy to assist here. Whether it be bush walks, conservation classes, learning about the various animals on safari, searching for tracks around camp and how to read and interpret them, cultural tours, drawing activities, lawn games, cooking, canoeing, or ATV (all-terrain vehicles) riding – an African safari will have myriad activities catering to all personalities.
Many properties cater specifically to families on safari, each with unique activities to keep the young busy. Mention your family’s interests and expectations during the planning stages of the safari. This will guide us in selecting the best properties and destinations for you.
2. Extend your stay
Hopping from lodge to lodge might be an interesting experience for adults, but younger children may not appreciate the disruption. To ensure harmony, African Aerial Safaris recommend staying a minimum of 3 nights per destination.
Getting to know the staff and rangers at each lodge over an extended period will ensure children a more memorable safari experience. It also gives them time to settle in and get comfortable with their environment.
3. Settle in
If your kids are under six, African Aerial Safaris suggest making time on the first (a couple of days) day for everyone to settle in and get used to their new environment. A new country, with new plants, views, (smells, sounds) and people, is a lot to take in for a small child, so give them a chance to get used to everything. Stroll (through the lodge) the campgrounds and get to know the surroundings before heading off.
4. Take age restrictions into consideration.
When planning your family safari, please keep in mind that some lodges have restrictions in place when it comes to children. Lodges may only accommodate children of a certain age, so be sure to check. There are, fortunately, plenty who do welcome kids of all ages. Some safari activities may not be available for young children (ATVs, river rafting, bush walks, etc.), or you may have to book a private game drive vehicle. That being said, some great interactive activities are available to all ages, so don’t lose heart! If you have teenagers, these adrenaline-pumping activities could be needed to keep them engaged (and away from their phone screens).
5. Avoid travel fatigue
Limit consecutive long traveling days between the various destinations. If you’re driving, don’t underestimate traveling times. Roads in Southern Africa’s remote regions are often unpaved, and traveling on them can be tedious and time-consuming. If you’re traveling on commuter aircraft services between countries, many stops are often involved before reaching your final destination. These long traveling days can quickly increase built-up fatigue in children and ruin the overall safari experience.
6. Variation is key
Combining destinations that contrast activities, location, and scenery add to the enjoyment of an African safari holiday. After a few days on safari, variation is vital to keep children engaged and entertained. This is often the case with adults too. This is why our signature fly-in safaris are the perfect way for families to experience Africa. Using a private aircraft, we combine the most spectacular, diverse, and remote destinations into one safari holiday.
7. AVOID TRAVEL FATIGUE
Limit consecutive long traveling days between the various destinations. If you’re driving, don’t underestimate traveling times. Roads in Southern Africa’s remote regions are often unpaved, and traveling on them can take time and effort. If you’re traveling on commuter aircraft services between countries, many stops are often involved before reaching your final destination. These long traveling days can quickly increase fatigue in children and ruin the overall safari experience.
8. Keep safety in mind
Although a safari is a generally safe experience, as with most adventures, there are some safety precautions to consider – especially when traveling with children. When on a game drive, ensure your kids understand and listen to the instructions of the expert guides (e.g., always sitting down, not reaching out to animals, etc.). For self-drives, remember to stay in your vehicle when driving in game reserves.
Some camps or lodges are unfenced, making for a fabulous, up-close experience, but this also means you need to keep a closer eye on your little ones’ movements. Most lodges have swimming pools, so be on top of water safety. Sun safety should be taken seriously, too, so insist on hats and sunscreen. If you’re traveling to a malaria area, start your anti-malaria medication protocol in time and pack your mosquito repellent.
9. Something different
It’s always a good idea to keep things fresh, so why not have staff organize a few non-safari-related activities? Helping bake bread in the kitchen, arts and crafts, or assisting in the garden are great communal activities for younger kids. Making traditional bows and arrows and village tours bring in the local community and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
We will send you a detailed list of the unique activities at each selected safari destination.
10. Practical travel considerations
The team from African Aerial Safaris will have more in-depth information with regards to this, but keep in mind that anti-child trafficking legislation requires that parents of children under 18 are required to provide airlines and immigration officials with the birth certificates of these minors. This applies even when both parents are present. When traveling with a guardian, these adults must produce affidavits from their parents as proof of permission to travel.
There are also specific requirements for entering the various countries in Southern Africa. We will provide more information on this once your itinerary has been finalized.
Finally – have a chat!
After you’ve made your plans, get your kids excited! Talk about all the sights you’ll see, animals they’ll encounter, and activities they can expect. Encourage them to dream about their upcoming trips, write down their wishes and draw their favorite animals.
African Aerial Safaris will share plenty of exciting facts and information in the weeks leading up to your safari. These will be specially tailored to include the whole family.
In conclusion, there are many wonderful activities and experiences to enthrall your kids, but planning and researching are imperative. In the African bush, we get closer to our true selves. What better way to share life’s moments with kids than on an African safari?